International Affairs

International Affairs majors develop interdisciplinary analytical skills to interpret and evaluate theory and evidence related to, policy, institutions and culture. Most acquire proficiency in one or more foreign languages and cultures which allow them to gain employment in governmental organizations, private companies in the United States and overseas, and the non-profit sector because of their adaptability and capacity to work in various settings. Through in-class discussion and hands-on experiential learning opportunities, students work with our award-winning faculty to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems such as climate change, international conflict, economic development, transnational public health crises, and global inequalities. 

Like students who graduate with other social science and liberal arts majors, graduates with a BA in international affairs are prepared for many different career options. Many international affairs majors use their degree to establish careers in:

• Foreign service and diplomacy
• Non-governmental organizations
• Private Businesses
• Journalism and Public Affairs
• Law and Human Rights
• Intelligence and Military Affairs
• Foreign languages, education and translation
• Politics
• International organizations
• Public relations

Majors also pursue graduate degrees in political science, becoming attorneys, consultants, lobbyists, leaders in private and public corporations, professors, and researchers in colleges and universities.

Minors are not available in the International Affairs program. However, students can choose to pursue a minor in Political Science, Journalism, History, Geography, Economics or other disciplines. Similarly, they can pursue a parallel degree (major, minor) in one or several foreign languages, Law and Society, Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Environmental Studies and others.

The College of Arts and Sciences provides advising to all A&S students to advance each individual student’s educational goals and plans.  Further A&S information can be found here.

For further information, please contact the SPIA program director, whose name and information appear on this page.

The School of Public and International Affairs faculty provide advising about course content, specific program requirements, professional opportunities, and post-baccalaureate education.  Faculty advisors and office hours are provided on the SPIA website.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. More information is available here.

College of Arts and Sciences

Students in UC's College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies, and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Co-op

Students in this program can participate in the optional co-op track and gain valuable work experience while they are still in school. To fulfill the requirements of this track, students are prepared to participate in a competitive search process to complete at least two co-op experiences. Participation in the co-op track will be noted on students’ transcripts. 

The International Affairs Program has an advanced foreign language requirement. This competence, combined with a working knowledge of other countries and cultures, make International Affairs majors preferred candidates for employment opportunities in the public and private sector in the United States and around the globe. The International Affairs curriculum at UC enables students to complement the major by completing a variety of certificate programs in foreign languages and area studies (Asian studies, European studies, Middle Eastern studies, Latin American studies, Judaic studies). The School of Public and International Affairs, the administering unit for the major, offers certificates in War, Peace, and Security; Legal Studies; International Human Rights; and Cybersecurity.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our 

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries, please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA

International students should visit the Undergraduate Admissions for International Students page for more information.